Noise within steering wheel area

[datbluegurl]

Hey Everyone...

I searched different areas of the forum and couldn't find the exact issue I am having. There may have been one other post but there was no video or sound chip to confirm its the same.

I have a 2003 Tahoe LS 5.3L that is making a strange noise behind the steering wheel, I uploaded a video so that you can listen... youtube cut the volume down, so if you listen you'll need to have your volume up quite a bit.

Sound is constant, key turned to on, the noise is there, engine running, the noise is there.
The noise does not get louder with revving.

Maintenance:
AC Maintenance a year ago (recharge)

• AC runs cool on each side, so I don't think its a bad ac actuator.

Oil change couple months ago (not a daily driver)

No engine mods

Any advice is welcomed.

Thanks!

Marissa

 

[Big Mama]

Does it make the same sound when the key is on but not started? How about when you rev the engine? Not sure if your model has a relay that makes the blinker ticking sound. Does it ever stop? Maybe when you brake?

 

[OR VietVet]

First: Welcome to the forum from Oregon. I see from the join date you been lurking for a while or just shy.

Second: Like @Big Mama said, any way to try and duplicate in other scenarios? Does even turning the wheel make a difference? Do you do anything that makes it stop or increase in sound? Any recent work in that area? Anyone else try to diagnose and when do need a mechanics stethoscope to help pinpoint? That sure sounds like a turn signal flasher but from the wrong area.

Third:


We recommend that you put all your rig(s) info in your signature so we all don’t have to guess at year, make, model, engine size, trans, rear axle locker…….etc. While you may have posted pertinent info in your first post, you may forget to do it again and the info is needed by us anyway. Makes it way easier on all members that attempt to help, to have that info right up front. It is also recommended that you take a pic of your RPO codes, on the inside cover of the glove box, and post that image in your signature. All this info will greatly help those that will try to help with a problem.


If there is any other info, like upgrades, mods or recent mechanical/maintenance work done, that would be helpful in any post as well. Too many times a question is asked by the poster and after about 10 responses we find out that the poster has done recent work to attempt to fix the problem or work that was done that SEEMS not related to the problem.

 

[datbluegurl]

Does it make the same sound when the key is on but not started? How about when you rev the engine? Not sure if your model has a relay that makes the blinker ticking sound. Does it ever stop? Maybe when you brake?

Hi Big Mama, Yes it still makes the noise while the key is turned on and engine not running. Revving or simply sitting at a light (such as in the video) it still makes the sound and never stops. The sound can get louder on some days, haven't really been able to pinpoint why it would get louder though.

 

[datbluegurl]

First: Welcome to the forum from Oregon. I see from the join date you been lurking for a while or just shy.

Second: Like @Big Mama said, any way to try and duplicate in other scenarios? Does even turning the wheel make a difference? Do you do anything that makes it stop or increase in sound? Any recent work in that area? Anyone else try to diagnose and when do need a mechanics stethoscope to help pinpoint? That sure sounds like a turn signal flasher but from the wrong area.

Third:


We recommend that you put all your rig(s) info in your signature so we all don’t have to guess at year, make, model, engine size, trans, rear axle locker…….etc. While you may have posted pertinent info in your first post, you may forget to do it again and the info is needed by us anyway. Makes it way easier on all members that attempt to help, to have that info right up front. It is also recommended that you take a pic of your RPO codes, on the inside cover of the glove box, and post that image in your signature. All this info will greatly help those that will try to help with a problem.


If there is any other info, like upgrades, mods or recent mechanical/maintenance work done, that would be helpful in any post as well. Too many times a question is asked by the poster and after about 10 responses we find out that the poster has done recent work to attempt to fix the problem or work that was done that SEEMS not related to the problem.

Thank you for the welcome, I definitely have been shy, but also lurking & learning! I just updated my signature and took some pointers for yours haha

Turning the wheel does not make a difference, the sound is always going/constant, in some instances, it will get louder. No recent work, no mods except for a wheel/tire change but I've had the same wheels on the truck for 10+ years. I haven't had anyone look at it yet, I wanted to see if the forum would be able to help before calling around and asking if they can help with a ''noise''.

 

[OR VietVet]

Could be related to the switch itself but I am unsure: https://www.rockauto.com/en/moreinfo.php?pk=194359&cc=1412244&jsn=944

I still say that the mechanic's stethoscope needs to be involved and remove column covers to get in deeper. If unsure how to do that, watch some you tube videos.

 

[datbluegurl]

Could be related to the switch itself but I am unsure: https://www.rockauto.com/en/moreinfo.php?pk=194359&cc=1412244&jsn=944

I still say that the mechanic's stethoscope needs to be involved and remove column covers to get in deeper. If unsure how to do that, watch some you tube videos.

Mechanic's stethoscope is inexpensive from what I've seen, I'll take a crack at watching a few youtube vids.

 

[OR VietVet]

Mechanic's stethoscope is inexpensive from what I've seen, I'll take a crack at watching a few youtube vids.

It is very inexpensive and is a life saver when it helps pinpoint noises. Get one and keep it and you will see. There are even some that have separate attachments now that were not around before that can help with different types of noises.

 

[S33k3r]

Yes it still makes the noise while the key is turned on and engine not running.

If this is the case, then you have narrowed it down to electrical things. Especially since it is constant, without the engine running.

 

[Doubeleive]

There is nothing in the steering wheel column that would make that noise, it would either be a funky stepper motor in the instrument cluster or a actuator the in the hvac, I would try pulling the fuse for the hvac and see if the noise goes away if so that would confirm a actuator being bad. could be some other gizmo but it would be pretty rare